The Top Scholars Awards are the most prestigious awards at the university. Approximately,
45 out-of-state students with strong academic records who are leaders in their high
schools and communities will be invited to participate in an interview weekend.

Of these candidates, 20 will be named McNair Scholars and 20 will be named Horseshoe
Scholars. Additionally, the top five candidates will be nominated as Stamps Scholars
and will interview for the chance to receive an enrichment stipend to fund opportunities
such as undergraduate research, study abroad, service projects or unpaid internships.

Candidates must participate in the entire weekend (March 3-5, 2018) in order to remain
in consideration for these awards. Last year, out-of-state Top Scholars had an average
SAT score of 1533 (ACT score of 34) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.74.
Recipients of these awards qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

Please note: To apply for these scholarships, both an application for general university admission
and a Top Scholars application must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
All students are encouraged to complete the general admissions application by October
15. A separate Honors College/Top Scholars application must be completed for Top Scholars
award consideration no later than November 15.

Lieber Scholars Award

Annual value: Up to $6,000 + tuition reductionFour-year value with tuition reduction: Up to $101,700

The university annually awards scholarships to National Merit Finalists and National
Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. The competition for these awards begins when
you take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year of high school. To be eligible, National
Merit Finalists must list the University of South Carolina as their first choice through
the National Merit Corporation. The National Hispanic Recognition Program will send
us the names of the scholars selected for that program. The Lieber Scholars Award
is the only general university award that can be combined with another admissions-issued
scholarship. Recipients of this award qualify for the in-state tuition rate if this
is their sole award. If they receive two university-issued awards, they will receive
only one instance of tuition reduction.

Please note that for most students, the total award amount includes a $500 National
Merit Scholarship.

Alumni Scholars Award*

Sponsored by the Carolina Alumni Association, these awards signify outstanding achievement
in academics, leadership, talent and service. In 2017, recipients of this award had
an average SAT score of 1554 (ACT score of 34) and an average weighted high school
GPA of 4.92.

To apply for this award, you must submit both a USC application and a Top Scholars
application supplement to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The deadline for
the Top Scholars application is Nov. 15. Recipients of this award qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

Cooper Scholars Award*

In 2017, recipients of the Cooper Scholars Award had an average SAT score of 1512
(ACT score of 33) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.74. Recipients of this
award qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

McKissick Scholars Award*

In 2017, recipients of the McKissick Scholars Award had an average SAT score of 1442
(ACT score of 31) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.54. Recipients of this
award qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

Flinn Scholars Award*

In 2017, recipients of the Flinn Scholars Award had an average SAT score of 1391 (ACT
score of 30) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.23. Recipients of this award
qualify for the in-state tuition rate.

Woodrow Scholars Award*

In 2017, recipients of the Woodrow Scholars Award had an average SAT score of 1326
(ACT score of 28) and an average weighted high school GPA of 4.26. Recipients of this
award also receive a significant tuition reduction of nearly half of the out-of-state
rate.

Sims Scholars Award*

In 2017, recipients of the Sims Scholars Award had an average SAT score 0f 1299 (ACT
score of 28) and an average weighted high school GPA of 3.61. Recipients of this award
also receive a significant tuition reduction.

*May not be combined with any other General University scholarship offered by the
USC Office of Undergraduate Admissions, except for Lieber Scholars Award.